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19 June 2018

2nd Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference Highlights

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19 March 2018

Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) Appoints Gordon Cheung as New Deputy CEO

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2 January 2018

SINGAPORE BULLION MARKET ASSOCIATION (SBMA) APPOINTS MARTIN HUXLEY AS NEW CHAIRMAN

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20 October 2017

2017 import and export statistics half year review

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11 October 2017

SBMA Chairman’s Letter – “LBMA Global Precious Metal Code”

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31 July 2017

Laos’ Gold Market

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25 July 2017

APPMC 2017 – Documentary

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12 July 2017

London Metal Exchange Joins Singapore Bullion Market Association

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23 June 2017

Fintech, Blockchain Technology to Open Market Access – APPMC

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22 June 2017

Infrastructure Key to Ensuring Fairness and Transparency – APPMC

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News List

19 June 2018

2nd Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference Highlights

Read more
19 March 2018

Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) Appoints Gordon Cheung as New Deputy CEO

Read more
2 January 2018

SINGAPORE BULLION MARKET ASSOCIATION (SBMA) APPOINTS MARTIN HUXLEY AS NEW CHAIRMAN

Read more
20 October 2017

2017 import and export statistics half year review

Read more
11 October 2017

SBMA Chairman’s Letter – “LBMA Global Precious Metal Code”

Read more
31 July 2017

Laos’ Gold Market

Read more
25 July 2017

APPMC 2017 – Documentary

Read more
12 July 2017

London Metal Exchange Joins Singapore Bullion Market Association

Read more
23 June 2017

Fintech, Blockchain Technology to Open Market Access – APPMC

Read more
22 June 2017

Infrastructure Key to Ensuring Fairness and Transparency – APPMC

Read more

World Platinum Investment Council approved as Singapore Bullion Market Association member

Singapore, 28 January 2016

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  • Singapore a priority for platinum market development efforts in 2016
  • SBMA membership paves the way for future retail and institutional platinum investment products in Asia

The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) today announced it has been approved by the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) for foreign associate corporate membership. This marks the first in a series of strategic initiatives the WPIC is developing in 2016 to stimulate investor demand for physical platinum and increase the number and type of platinum investment opportunities available in Asia.

The SBMA was formed in 1993 to promote Singapore as a precious metals ‘hub’ in Southeast Asia and its existing members include ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Bank of Nova Scotia, J.P. Morgan, and UOB Bullion & Futures Ltd.

Marcus Grubb, Director of Market Development at the WPIC, said, “Singapore represents one of the most important wealth management markets globally with USD 0.5 trillion in assets1 and offers world-class infrastructure and a strong and growing financial centre. It is also a growing hub for precious metals investment and the industry value chain with strong government backing for the precious metals business.”

“We believe that Singapore offers an abundance of market development opportunities for both retail and institutional platinum investment products including coins and bars, accumulation plans, Exchange Traded Funds and listed platinum Bullion Coin Custodial Certificates. We look forward to supporting the SBMA’s efforts to develop Singapore’s position as the preeminent hub for precious metals in Southeast Asia.”

Commenting on the announcement, Albert Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of the SBMA, said, “The WPIC is coming to Singapore at an interesting time in the market’s development. Since the removal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2012, there has been a real step-change in Singapore’s prominence as a major hub for precious metals trading and investment, a position we are working hard to consolidate. The WPIC membership will undoubtedly contribute to our efforts by strengthening the region’s range and availability of investor products.”

The SBMA membership is the latest market development announcement from WPIC, following the news in late 2015 that the organisation has entered into an exclusive agreement with Rand Merchant Bank to extend the global availability of the Bullion Coin Custodial Certificate (BCCC). WPIC is actively seeking BCCC launch partners to offer this new product, which provides investors with a safe, secure and cost effective method of purchasing and owning platinum coins and other precious metals.

The WPIC has been consulting with a number of local market authorities as it establishes a comprehensive pipeline of initiatives, including International Enterprise (IE) Singapore.

Satvinder Singh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore added, “WPIC brings knowledge, experience and technical expertise in platinum as an investment, complementing SBMA’s role as a major Association for precious metals for the region. This partnership will further strengthen Singapore’s position as Asia’s precious metals trading hub and the continued development of platinum in the region.”

SECRETARIAT SBMA-Emily-Oh

Emily Oh

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Emily Oh is the Operations & Admin Executive, a seasoned professional who values teamwork and effective communication. She is skilled at adapting to new challenges and takes a proactive and resourceful approach to every task. Before joining SBMA, Emily had experience coordinating international travel arrangements and spearheading community initiatives. Her role at SBMA will be providing operational and administrative support for projects and other matters to the team.

SECRETARIAT SBMA Clara-Chang

Clara Chang

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Clara Chang joins SBMA as the Marketing & Communications Executive, enriching the team with her extensive experience in content creation, social media management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining SBMA, Clara held the position of Marketing Executive at her previous job. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, one in International Trade and another in Geographical Information Science. Her core duties will include maintaining the SBMA website, managing the quarterly Crucible newsletter, among other responsibilities.

SBMA Committee-Photo-john-levin

Mr John Levin

Global Metals
TD Securities
John Levin is the Head of Metal Sales & Trading – APAC at the Toronto Dominion Bank’s Singapore office. Prior to this role, he devoted seven years to leading precious metal sales for the ANZ banking group in his home country, Australia. Notably, from 2009 to 2011, John played a significant role on the management committee of the London Bullion Market Association while serving as the Head of Precious Metals Sales for HSBC Global Banking and Markets in the UK.

SBMA Secretariat-Fabian-Lew

Fabian Lew

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Fabian was a Business Development and Marketing Associate before joining SBMA. He graduated from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

He has joined SBMA since February, 2022.

SBMA-margare-secretariat

Margaret Wong

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Margaret Wong, Business Director at SBMA (Singapore Bullion Market Association), brought valuable experience from her previous role at the World Gold Council (WGC). Her tenure at WGC provided her with extensive exposure to the gold community in Singapore and the broader region. This background has been instrumental in establishing strong working relationships within the industry.

Margaret’s role at SBMA encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. She oversees office management, business support processes, finance, and administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the team and management committee. Additionally, Margaret handles membership matters, member communications, and addresses public inquiries related to SBMA.

One of Margaret’s key responsibilities is coordinating with the Event Management Company for SBMA’s prestigious annual event, the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. This flagship conference plays a crucial role in the industry, making her involvement pivotal in its success.

Described as resourceful and self-motivated, Margaret Wong brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role at SBMA, ensuring efficient operations and effective engagement within the precious metals community in Singapore and beyond.

SBMA-Albert-secretariat

Albert Cheng

Chief Executive Officer

Albert Cheng joined the World Gold Council in March 1993 as a Regional Manager, becoming Managing Director, Far East in 2003. He retired at the end of March 2015 and was subsequently named its Advisor. He has also been an International Advisor to the Shanghai Gold Exchange since 2002.

His marketing career began with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, Hong Kong in the early 80’s. He began gold marketing in July 1985 when he joined the Royal Canadian Mint as a Regional Manager for Southeast Asia.

He was appointed honorary CEO of SBMA in November 2015. He is responsible for the success and strategic development of SBMA, represents the interests of the Association, and is responsible for all the legal and regulatory aspects of the work of the Association. He is the primary contact for regulators and government bodies on bullion market development.

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

CEO
YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd

Pawan is the CEO of YLG Bullion Singapore and founder of YLG Bullion International. She has almost 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry and established YLG in Thailand in 2003. In 2012, she brought YLG to Singapore. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, the Thailand Futures Exchange’s Arbitration Committee, and the Rotary Bangkok committee. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

SBMA-Shaokai-Fan

Mr Shaokai Fan

Head of Asia-Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks
World Gold Council
Shaokai Fan is the Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, responsible for advising governments on gold matters, and enhancing the gold market through engagement, dialogue, and thought leadership. He works directly with central banks and sovereign wealth funds on investment considerations. Prior to this position, Shaokai held multiple roles at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director for Asia Strategic Initiatives and Associate-Director for Public Sector coverage. Shaokai holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from New York University.

SBMA-Committee-Alan-Liew

Mr Alan Liew

Head of Bullion & Commodities Trading
United Overseas Bank Limited
Alan is Head of Bullion and Commodities Trading for Group Trading in Global Markets, United Overseas Bank (UOB). Alan joined UOB and started the bank’s commodities trading business in 2014, previously he spent eight years in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) trading both precious and base metals. During his tenure at SCB, he obtained the SGE gold trader licence and was part of the pioneering team for the SGE business and the FX quantitative trading team. Prior to trading, he worked for Monetary Authority of Singapore in the Financial Risk Management Division. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Computer Science at National University of Singapore and a MSc in Financial Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.

SBMA-Committee-Nikos

Mr Nikos Kavalis

Managing Director
Metals Focus Singapore Pte Ltd
Nikos Kavalis is a founding partner of Metals Focus. He has over 20 years of experience in precious metals, having previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and GFMS. Since September 2019, Nikos has been based in Singapore, where he also runs the local subsidiary of Metals Focus.

SBMA-Committee-khun nuttapong

Mr Nuttapong Hirunyasiri

CEO
MTS Gold Global Trading Pte Ltd
Nuttapong Hirunyasiri is the CEO of MTS Gold Group, one of Thailand’s top 10 companies and top 3 bullion companies. He started MTS Gold Group’s first overseas office in Singapore and has been expanding the group business internationally. He focuses on product development and innovation for gold investment, with the aim of being a leader in providing the full suite of gold investment services in the ASEAN region.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Raman-Walia

Mr Raman Walia

Executive Director, Head of Commodities Sales – APAC
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.

Raman is Executive Director and Head of Commodities Sales, APAC, for J.P. Morgan. He joined JPMorgan in 2008 in New York, moved to Singapore in 2011, and helped expand the precious metals business in the region. Raman has an MBA from Cornell University, and likes to travel in his spare time.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Andrew-Clarke

Mr Andrew Clarke

Head of Brink’s Global Services
Brink’s Global Services Pte Ltd

Andrew Clarke is the Head of BGS (Brink’s Global Services) for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career in secure logistics and risk management with Brink’s, which started in Hong Kong in 2010. Andrew relocated to Singapore in 2018 to expand the precious metals line of business along with Brink’s portfolio of services and industries.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Kazuya-Naoki

Mr Kazuya Naoki

Head of Metals, Asia
ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Singapore Branch

Kazuya (Kaz) Naoki is the Head of Metals, Asia of ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore and is responsible for the precious & base metals sales and trading in the region. He joined Standard Bank Plc Tokyo Branch in 2008 and was relocated to its Singapore Branch in 2013 whose controlling stake was acquired by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in 2015. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Kaz spent 11 years focusing on commodity trading and risk management with Mitsui & Co in Tokyo, Sydney and London. Kaz has been serving on the SBMA Management Committee since 2016.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Vinh-Nguyen

Mr Vinh Nguyen

Head of Precious Metals, Asia
StoneX APAC Pte Ltd

Vinh Nguyen joined StoneX Group in Singapore at the beginning of 2008 and responsible for its APAC precious metals activities since 2019 until now.

SBMA Committee-KL-Yap

Mr KL Yap

General Manager, Singapore Refining Business Unit
Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd
KL YAP is the General Manager of Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Singapore Refining Business Unit. He joined Metalor in 2013, initially in Refining Sales. In 2014, he became Refining Business Unit Manager, leading the development of a new precious metal refinery. KL was Vice Chairman of SBMA from 2017 to 2021, now serving as Chairman. With a degree in business commerce, finance, and marketing, he brings prior experience from refinery and heavy industries.